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Dumfries House

Dumfries House, KA18 2NJ

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via a steep portable ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible entrance is the reception entrance.
    • There is stepped access at the main entrance.
    • There are 2 other entrances.
    • 1 of the other entrances has step-free access via ramp.
    • 1 of the other entrances has stepped access.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the main corridor to the upper ground floor and the lower library (can both be bypassed using the portable step climber, or steep portable ramp) the first floor (bypassed using the stair lift), and the second and third floors.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the male toilet beyond reception.
    • There are no doors along circulation routes.
    • The ground and first floors can be accessed via a stair lift and stairs.
    • The second and third floors are accessed via stairs only.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
    • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: the portable step climber and portable ramps, both set-up, operated and/or accompanied by staff.
    • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print and different languages.
    • Audio headsets are available for the outdoor areas around the estate.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Staff receive the following training: equality training, autism awareness, mental health first aid.
  • Related Access Guides View

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located to the right as you enter through the reception entrance.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the right and the left as you enter through the reception entrance.
    • Male step-free standard toilet facilities are located ahead as you enter through the reception entrance.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations to the right as you enter through the reception entrance.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of the building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of loose chippings.
    • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
    • The nearest designated bay is 30m from the reception entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Parking (Main Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off the main entrance gate road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of loose chippings.
    • There are 20+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight slopes.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The main car park is approximately 230m from the Visitor Centre and Shop (near the Coach House Café), 120m from the Engineering Education (S.T.E.M.) Centre, 260m from Dumfries House, and 400m from the Arboretum (towards the Walled Garden).
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

West Entrance (Tours - Upper Ground Floor)

  • This entrance is located at the side of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is stepped access at the entrance.
  • There is one step.
  • There are no handrails for the step.
  • The step is unmarked.
  • The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step is 5cm.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • There are 3 steps as you enter.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.

Reception Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the rear of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a portable ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
  • There is one step.
  • There are no handrails for the step.
  • The step is unmarked.
  • The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step is 8cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 139cm.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 106cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.

Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located on the left as you enter through the reception entrance.
    • The distance from the reception entrance is 2m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 75cm.
    • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Some flooring is patterned.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: armchairs and sofas.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • The first floor has step-free access via stair lift only.
    • There is not step-free level access throughout.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the main corridor to the upper ground level, and lower library (can both be bypassed using the portable step climber or steep portable ramp) the first floor (bypassed using the stair lift) and the second and third floors. .
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the main corridor upper ground level, and lower library (can both be bypassed using the portable step climber, or steep portable ramp).
  • Circulation View
    • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and pillars.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
    • Some flooring is patterned.
    • There is deep pile carpet in some areas.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
    • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.

Lift (Portable Step Climber)

  • The lift surveyed is located by staff, for the main corridor, West Entrance, or library steps.
  • The distance from the reception entrance to the main corridor steps is 50m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • This lift is a chair stair lift.
  • Chair Stair Lift View
    • The raised section of the ground floor, the lower library or the West Entrance can be accessed by this lift.
    • The step climber is operated by staff.

Screen (Toby Jug Room - Upper Ground Floor)

  • Access To View
    • The screen is located on the upper ground level, near the West Entrance.
    • The most accessible route to the screen has a stair lift.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access to the screen.
    • There is no signage on or near the door.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door opens away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 83cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The door has a medium colour contrast.
    • The door is permanently held open before and after screenings.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after screenings.
    • This entrance gives access to the front row.
    • There is step-free level access to screen.
  • Screen Information View
    • All rows of seating have step-free level access.
    • Seating available in the screen includes: armchairs.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Designated Seating View
    • The designated seating area is located in any row as seats can be moved.
    • The most accessible route to the designated seating has step-free level access.
    • The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed.
    • The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies (dependent on screening/layout).
    • Companions can sit next to you, behind you and in front of you.
    • Companion seating available includes: armchairs.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.

Exhibition Space (Upper Ground Floor)

  • The area is indoors.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the lower library (can be bypassed using the portable step climber, or steep portable ramp).
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the lower library if using the portable ramp.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display formats include: pictorial.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • There are talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • Guided tours are available.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the lower library (can be bypassed using the portable step climber, or steep portable ramp).
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the lower library if using the portable ramp.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.

Stair Lift - First Floor

  • The lift surveyed is located to the front of the upper ground floor.
  • The distance from the main corridor portable step climber is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This lift is a chair stair lift.
  • Chair Stair Lift View
    • The upper ground and first floors can be accessed by this lift.
    • There is a 120 Kg weight limit for the chair lift.

Stairs (First Floor)

  • The stairs are located to the right as you enter through the rear entrance.
  • The upper ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There is a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Stairs (Second and Third Floors)

  • The stairs are located at either end of the first floor.
  • First, second and third floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
  • There is a handrail on the right going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls or windows.
  • The stairs at the opposite end of the building have a handrail on the left going up.

Stairs (Rear)

  • The stairs are located to the left from the reception entrance.
  • The ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There is a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail does not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Exhibition Space (First Floor)

  • The area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • There is deep pile carpet in some areas.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.
  • Display formats include: pictorial.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: desks.
  • There are talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • Guided tours are available.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
  • The tour also has uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.

Exhibition Space (Second Floor)

  • The area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • There is deep pile carpet in some areas.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.
  • Display formats include: pictorial.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
  • There are talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • Guided tours are available.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
  • The tour also has uneven surfaces.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.

Dining Room (Ground Floor - Prebooked Groups)

  • The dining room is located to the left as you enter through the reception entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a slope into the dining room.
  • The slope has a steep gradient.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 93cm.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • There is deep pile carpet in some areas.
  • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables/desks is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Dining Room (First Floor - Private Functions)

  • The dining room is located at the east end of the first floor, beyond the rear stairs.
  • There is step-free level access into the dining room.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 101cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • There is deep pile carpet in some areas.
  • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls or windows.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the right as you enter through the reception entrance.
    • The distance from the reception entrance is 45m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a medium colour contrast.
    • The width of the opening is 75cm.
    • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
    • Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 164cm (width) x 260cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the left transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 106cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 98cm and 165cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 73cm.
    • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Outdoor Spaces

  • About View
    • The following is available in this area: formal gardens.
  • Getting Around View
    • There are unsurfaced paths/trails throughout.
    • Path or trail surfaces consist of: gravel.
    • The majority of the unsurfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
    • Paths or trails have some sections with potential obstacles such as: narrow sections and overgrowing vegetation.
    • There is no signage in this area.
    • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.